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The rats found dead probably formed only a small proportion of the number actually killed.
Rat Infestation: Chippenham Mews Area.—In July, 1924, following receipt of numerous complaints
of rat infestation of the premises on the north side of the Mews between Marylands and Chippenham
Roads, known as Nos. 1 to 39 (odd) Chippenham Mews and No. 6a, Marylands Road, the
services of an expert were engaged and the properties effectually cleared. Certain rat-proofing was
carried out at the suggestion of the expert, the whole of the cost of clearing and proofing being borne by
the occupiers or owners of the premises concerned.
Despite the fact that all the properties were declared by the tenants to be free of rats after the
carrying out of the aforesaid works, in the following September complaints of fresh invasions of
rats were received in the Public Health Department, the source of which was obviously the premises
on the other side of the Mews and in the immediate neighbourhood. It was therefore decided to
adopt a comprehensive scheme for dealing with the whole of the block of properties comprising Nos. 1
to 5, Chippenham Road, Nos. 2 to 6, Marylands Road, Nos. 362 to 414, Harrow Road and Nos. 5 to
39 (odd) and 2a and 2 to 42 (even) Chippenham Mews. The services of the expert were again requisitioned,
and an estimate of £297 obtained for disinfestation and proofing (where necessary) of
the whole of the premises. This work was carried out by the expert's employees in conjunction
with the District Sanitary Inspector (Mr. R. A. Jones), in the following November, the means of
destroying and clearing used being dogs, ferrets, pistols and raticides.
Sewer connections were examined and, where necessary, repaired. In a few places the paving
stones opposite infested premises were lifted and rat-runs abolished.
During 1925 the drainage of each of the premises in the Mews was tested and, where found unsound,
was repaired or reconstructed.
Having regard to the fact that very few complaints have been received since the scheme was
carried out, the disinfestation can be considered practically effectual.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons.—Twenty-one (21) persons in 1924 and twelve (12) in 1925 were
referred by the Department to the Kensington Medicinal Baths for treatment, in accordance with
the scheme arranged between the Kensington and Paddington Borough Councils.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—During 1924, 400 rooms in 272 premises were dealt with by
the service of notices under Section 10 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1922,
the corresponding figures for 1925 being 206 and 147.
Considerable use was made by owners of the facilities first offered by the Council in 1923 in
regard to the spraying of infested rooms with a special vermicidal solution. One hundred and twentythree
rooms in 94 houses were treated in this manner during 1924, and 133 rooms in 79 houses during
1925, at a charge to the owners of 7s. 6d. per room.